An RFID reader includes an HF antenna formed on a compound, or three-dimensional, surface. With an HF antenna so configured, the RFID reader operates with an expanded region in which a short-range RFID device can be effectively read, while still requiring close proximity between the RFID device and the RFID reader for successful communication. Consequently, the physical security of information associated with the RFID device can be maintained while simultaneously enhancing the reliability of communications between the RFID device and an RFID reader. In addition, the HF antenna can be reliably and repeatably formed into a desired three-dimensional shape with a relatively simple two-step process.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection, as filed with the USPTO.
1. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader, comprising: an enclosure; and a non-planar antenna disposed within the enclosure and comprising a plurality of conductive traces formed on a non-planar surface of a substrate, wherein the non-planar surface is configured to substantially conform to an external surface of the enclosure to cause a predetermined increase in an operating volume associated with the external surface for reading a radio frequency identification tag relative to forming the plurality of conductive traces on a planar surface.
2. The RFID tag reader of claim 1 , wherein the non-planar antenna is configured to send high-frequency signals to and receive high-frequency signals from another antenna that is disposed within the operating volume.
3. The RFID tag reader of claim 2 , wherein the another antenna is associated with a RFID tag.
4. RFID tag reader of claim 2 , wherein the high-frequency signals comprise radio-frequency signals in the range of about 3 MHz to about 30 MHz.
5. RFID tag reader of claim 2 , wherein an impedance of the non-planar antenna is matched to an impedance of the another antenna.
6. The RFID tag reader of claim 5 , wherein the plurality of conductive traces is configured to match the impedance of the non-planar antenna to the impedance of the another antenna.
7. The RFID tag reader of claim 1 , wherein the non-planar antenna is configured such that the operating volume extends no more that about 10 cm from the external surface of the enclosure.
8. The RFID tag reader of claim 1 , wherein the non-planar antenna is configured such that the operating volume extends no more than about 5 cm from the external surface of the enclosure.
9. The RFID tag reader of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of conductive traces comprises electrically conductive ink.
10. The RFID tag reader of claim 1 , wherein the non-planar surface is curvilinear.
11. The RFID tag reader of claim 1 , wherein the non-planar antenna is positioned proximate the external surface of the enclosure.
12. A method of forming a non-planar antenna, the method comprising: depositing a plurality of conductive traces on a surface of a substrate that is substantially planar and electrically insulative, wherein a spacing between the conductive traces is selected to match an impedance of the non-planar antenna to an impedance of another antenna; after depositing the plurality of conductive traces, heating the substrate; and performing a vacuum forming process that forms the surface of the heated substrate into a non-planar configuration.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the another antenna is associated with a RFID tag.
14. The method of claim 12 , wherein depositing the plurality of conductive traces on the surface comprises depositing a conductive ink on the substrate.
15. An RFID tag reader, comprising: an enclosure; an antenna comprising: a surface of a substrate that has a substantially non-planar configuration and the substrate is electrically insulative and is at least partially transparent to visible light; and a plurality of conductive traces disposed on the surface a light source arranged within the enclosure such that light emitted from the light source passes through the substrate of the antenna and illuminates an image formed on an exterior surface of the surface.
16. The RFID tag reader of claim 15 , wherein an impendence of the antenna is matched to an impedance of another antenna, wherein the another antenna is part of a RFID tag.
17. The device of claim 16 , wherein the image provides an indication of an operating volume of the antenna in which the RFID tag is capable of communicating with the RFID reader.
18. The RFID tag reader of claim 15 , wherein the surface is curvilinear.
19. The RFID tag reader of claim 15 , wherein the antenna is disposed proximate to the exterior surface such that the image is within an operating volume of the antenna.
20. The device of claim 19 , wherein a shape of the surface of the substrate is matched to a shape of the exterior surface.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
May 2, 2012
March 3, 2015
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